LeBron James Shares Thoughts On First Game As A Los Angeles Laker

Sports

Thursday evening (Oct. 18) served as night one of LeBron James’ debut as a Los Angeles Laker. The purple-and-gold team traveled to Portland, Ore., to match-up against the Trail Blazers. While the Lakers were off to a solid start, the team faltered to lose their first game of the regular season, 119-128.

Despite the defeat, James admitted it’ll take time for the team to find its rhythm, comparing the process to oatmeal. “I always kind of compare it to like instant oatmeal,” he said per ESPN. “It is not that fast. It takes a while to get to where you can close your eyes and know exactly where you guys are.” Although the chemistry will take time to bubble, James appreciated the group’s effort to come out on top.

“We were down double digits,” he said. “I liked the way we competed at times. I liked the way we shared the ball at times, as well. Those were all positives.” James was able to score 26 points alongside 12 rebounds and six assists. In 2017, James netted 29 points, 16 rebounds and nine assists for the 2017-18 regular season opener against the Boston Celtics. The father-of-three was still a member of the Cleveland Cavaliers at that time.

This was the second time James departed from his hometown NBA team since 2010’s main event. His recent gesture was finalized in early July 2018. “It’s always a tough decision when you leave home or you leave an organization that you’ve been with for multiple years,” he said to ESPN. “It was tough to leave the first time. When I left Miami, leaving Cleveland once again, definitely tough. But you know, it’s a decision that was best for me and my family. I think both sides feel great and appreciative of the moments and the time that we have spent together.”

The Lakers’ next game will take place Saturday (Oct. 20) against the Houston Rockets.